The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen

6+ STARS

I love it when the alpha asshole finds his Achilles heel...when he allows softness and vulnerability to seep into the hard exterior. My heart literally squeezed in pain, joy, every emotion under the sun and Ms. Shen never let it go, instead held it in a vice grip with Wolfe...the tension is PALPABLE oozing off every page, with each single exchange of guarded banter. I can't explain the FEELINGS that are being magnified with every word. You will be epically let down, crushed, only to find your heart melting with affection just minutes later. You will cheer, boo, and absolutely lose yourself within the pages of this story. The fact that this hardened, bitter, assholeish man could see that this woman had a strength deep within that owned him and even when he thought it to be a weakness. Through the correct lens he could see it for what it was, strength, love and an undying need for her to protect those around her at every cost.

The subtleties and nuances of these characters and their need to protect, be loyal, fight and at the end of the day love; are so slight yet pack such a punch you literally feel your heart in your throat the entire story. The intricacy that Ms. Shen weaves in this nemesis versus villain tale is awe inspiring. Seriously. Y'all I can't wait for you to read this story. I wish I could convey through this review the absolute love I have for the words I have just read. It has everything and more. LJ Shen has once again obliberated the bar to which her stories have been held to and blew every favorite I may have had before it AWAY. This is my by far my favorite of her books and I have read and loved them all. Until my next favorite Ms. Shen. Bravo.

Rising: (Eve & Vincent #1) by Jessica Ruben

OK STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING CUZ I'M ABOUT TO RUIN...YOUR TBR SHELF! Mark this book down and then come May 1st READ IT! I am still reeling over this book, and it's a DEBUT! I can't believe it. The writing is solid, the engagement with characters is instant, the FEELS are there, butterflies, angst, wonder, and just enough mystery to keep you totally OBSESSED. This story blends all the things I love most about reading, a hot fighter, danger, are they or aren't they together angst, turmoil, tough characters, mafia, gang bangers and more OH MY! I swear my romance reading soul runneth over. I still can't believe A DEBUT people..first book. Gah.

It's hard to describe when a book just fits, checks off all the boxes you have as a reader and just works. All the words combined deliver in a way that has you swooning, stuck in a fictional world and yet never wanting to escape it.Ms. Ruben delivered all of that in more in her debut story. The characters are flawed, strong, captivating and with every word I felt them more and more. I can't say enough about this one. A gritty, emotional, hard to read at times tale of  how hard life can be on the "wrong side" of the tracks, while the over-privileged seek something simpler, the pureness of it. Corruption, fear, and the all consuming want of MORE. Which I now suffer from because I WANT MORE. Like now. So Ms. Ruben this is to you...I can totally read as you write, clean your house, grocery shop, I am here for you.

READ THIS BOOK. You will thank your lucky stars you did. I know I am.

  

Epoch by Jewel E. Ann

**Epoch book two in the Transcend Duet by Jewel E. Ann. Not a standalone, Transcend must be read first. Epoch picks up right where we were left in book one**

ALL THE STARS

I finished this book about five days ago...I'm still reeling. It's the kind of story that continually calls to me...so much so that I have re-read it cover to cover, while also returning to the last 30-35% of the story too many times to count. Putting aside the fact that this duet completely consumed me and my thoughts, my other dilemma is being able to try to articulate how powerful this story is while not giving anything away. I had my ONE person through out these two books and I never wavered. It never crossed my mind to feel everyone was fair game. But at times in this story I HATED people, possibly even Ms. Jewel E Ann herself. I was over half way in and wanted to quit it all. That's when I sat back, took a deep breath, and gently said to myself..."well played Ms. Ann, well played". You don't feel all these deep rooted, intense wants and dislikes in just any story...you feel it in an epic story. And this my friends is EPIC..(which by the way is how Epoch is pronounced?)

"I've been loved by two men, neither feeling they were the worthy one, when the truth is I'm the one not worthy of this kind of love from them."

Being a fan of this author and having devoured every word she has written, I knew I had to trust her...but it wasn't easy. What is was...totally WORTH it. Every book I read from this author I think WOW she has totally out done herself. It must be rough to have to reset the bar every time you release a new story, but I am so glad I am here to witness it all. This story will transcend what you believe or don't believe, what can be a possible and what is just known. A beautiful tale of love lost, love found, family made, and minds blown. The word love doesn't seem to full encompass how much not only did I enjoy the Transcend Duet, but how it stayed with me and will forever.

Transcend by Jewel E. Ann

This review might not be coherent, it may be a bunch of fangirl ramblings...but OMFG this book was incredible. So different, yet so Jewel E. Ann. Her writing is beyond romance for me. Delving beyond the pull of a heartstring, a deeper level of soul searching through words. Every book of hers is a treasure but this one...WOW. It blew me away.

I wanted to throw my kindle at the characters at times. Wanting them to see what the other could, while not wanting them to figure anything out as well. Torn. Completely torn between what I want and what I may need. I LOVE Griff...and yet I love the story that is found through others. I want for all them, but am afraid of what could come of that want. See RAMBLING. Ms. Ann's words are like a soothing balm to my reader soul one minute and then a raging heat wave the next. She takes every emotion and plays them perfectly through her words, every page bringing a new "WHY" or "NO", possibly a "HELL YES" even a hard to squeeze tear from my hardened reader's eye. I can't even begin to explain how much I not only love this book, but this author. I recommend her WHOLE HEARTILY and wish everyone would take a chance on ANY of her books.

Look The Part by Jewel E. Ann

I would read a "to-do" list penned by this author so I read this book without so much as reading the blurb or who it was about..so slap me twice and call me Sally, when I saw it was Flint! The broody background friend to Cage that I got bits and pieces of in One and wanted SO much more from. Well...I got it and it was fucking fantastic!

Who knew I would absolutely LOVE a story that had pet rats in it? Not this girl...but here is a small real life truth. My first pet...a rat. Named him Max. Then Max had babies and quickly became Maxine. I loved that thing with all I had. Now as an adult, NOPE. But I digress....back to my glowing review.

Ms. Jewel E. Ann has quickly become an auto read author for me. After reading When Life Happened I was HOOKED. I quickly began one-clicking all of her books. Reading and losing myself in her words. She doesn't disappoint and this one is no exception. The real life tragedies that can plague and blacken a perfect life. The sadness and guilt that can take a once happy man that had life by the balls and turn him into a real life scrooge. The happy girl that bangs on drums, strums guitars and slowly brings light back into a life that was simply existing...drowning in the day to day without enjoying the brilliance that life can deliver. Words that heal, slay, create and help you fall head over heels in love with everyone you meet. Totally enjoyed this one and wish I could go back and experience everyone of this author's books for the first time again and again. I can't wait for more.

A Broken Soul by Jessica Prince

Top Read of 2017

Here is a truth from me. I LOVE JESSICA PRINCE. Yes, this may have been yelled from the top of my lungs. Don't roll your eyes because this excitement is well placed, I have read and loved every book of hers. But this one, A Broken Soul owned me from the first word until the last. This was by far my favorite book of hers. Yes, I may utter these words at the end of her previous books, but this one had it all. Feels, heart, broken trusts, friendship, love of a family and heartache that makes even the most darkened of readers shed a tear or 50. She pulled out all the stops for this one and I for one am so grateful for the journey.

Quinn and Lilly's path was paved with heartbreak that no one should have to face, a bond that was immediate but not necessarily wanted, and the glue that brought it all together was a Little Miss and the singing of a song that bridged the past to the future. GAH..I freaking loved this book. When I get a book that I feel deep in my soul, where my feelings take the hits as the characters experience them. I thank my lucky stars that this addiction, my love of the written word and what it can bring to life led me to authors like Ms. Prince.

I recommend not only this series but all of her others highly. The stories she writes are brought to life so vividly it's like you are watching them play out right in front of you, getting lost in the lives of others so deeply you have to remind yourself it's fiction. LOVE. AND this cover yo. So freaking pretty..ok now I'm done. Read this book.

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Arc Review of Until Trevor by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Hello..my name is Dawn and I am addicted to the Mayson brothers.  I don’t care which one..I love them all!  I don’t want a remedy, I am happy reading about anything and everything Mayson and hope they have lots of children and cousins so that I can continue my addiction.  I haven’t been so impatient about a book and giddy for it’s release in a long time and I am so happy that it delivered!

 With that confession out of the way..let me tell you Aurora Rose Reynolds can write.  She can weave a perfect story with the alpha male being his loyal, possessive, and growling self.  In otherwords..perfection!  When I am reading her books, time stands still and it doesn’t seem like 3 hours have passed and I am sadly done with the story.

 

I fell in love with my first Mayson his name was Asher, I wouldn’t say he was replaced by Trevor but he wasn’t compared to him either.  Trevor was similar in some ways but his own man in all the aspects that count.  The Mayson men have known that they live their life alone and without strings attached, UNTIL “it” happens..the BOOM that seals the fate of the future for both parties involved.  

Now Liz was no shrinking violet, another thing I appreciate with Ms. Reynolds stories, she not only writes a killer alpha but a strong and independent woman.  Liz has run into hard times and has to sacrifice part of herself to make ends meet.  Trevor has tried to stay away from Liz thinking that she is too innocent and pure to put up with his whore ways.  But time after time Trevor is reminded that she is his “boom” and a future without her is not something he wants to live.

I loved this book.  From Trevor’s possessive “you are mine” attitude to his “I will have babies with you” mentality.  Knowing what you want and going after it with reckless abandonment..it is the way every person wants and deserves to be loved! 

Stalking has begun with little small excerpt from the next book..I am coming after ya Ms. Reynolds..warning warning!

Arc Review of Rock Bottom by R.K. Lilley

Gut-wrenching, knotted stomach, angst filled torment, and awe inspired LOVE are just a few of the emotions that this book reached in and pulled out of me..  I have never read a book that destroyed me and built me up to then tear me down yet again..it was like being on a see-saw of emotions and I never wanted to get off..  Let me also say that I will be stalking Ms. Lilley for the foreseeable future for not only an arc of the next book but can we say new Beta reader..I am dying for this book!  Do you like kids?  I have four good looking, well mannered children in a plethora of sizes, genders and ages..

The first book Bad Things introduced us to Tristan and Danika and their own stories, not attached to Bianca and James..  I liked them immediately and wanted to know more about each of them and why their love seemed to veer so far off course..  Rock Bottom picks up where Bad Things left off and you find Tristan reeling with the loss of not only his brother and best friend but his mother as well..she isn't one to handle loss..  Addiction and excess has begun to rule Tristan and not even the love of his soul mate seems enough to drag him from it's grasp..

 That is where this book really got to me..at every page turned I would think the worst..oh my God this is what is going to happen..and nope..OMG this is it..nope and then BLAM there it is and you are left stunned and shaken.  Worlds collide and heartbreak ensues..and the bitter truth that sometimes love isn't enough..

 
 Ms. Lilley did an absolutely vivid portrayal of an addict and how even when it seems you are at your Rock Bottom the floor can give out just a bit more..   I think it is fair to say I am completely taken by this book, the characters and the fact that I have to WAIT is the only negative feeling I have..

Dark Destiny (Dark Brotherhood Book #4) by Bec Botefuhr

Dark Destiny by Bec Botefuhr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am speechless..and that never happens..this book blew me away..full review to follow..

5 +++ IS THIS REALLY THE END STARS

Blown away..this book took my heart and squeezed the ever loving shit out of it and then slowly, painfully started releasing the squeeze and letting it take form again. My heart is now back to it's beating self..while my mind has to figure out that this love story is really over and be okay with that..

                                    

This book opens with a note from the author, in this you get an explanation of the reason behind there being a book four. When you end at book three it really does leave you thinking this is their HEA. Ms. Botefuhr decided to write this story one for her fans (thank you) and two for a more personal reason. From reading this personal insight it would seem she too was a victim of a deep dark depression and through the love of others and hard work, lived to see lightness again.. This personal observation meant a lot to me and set the pace for what I was getting myself into by reading this book. I can't say enough about what the note meant to me and I am sure to many others who know what darkness looks like..

"Darkness, you never truly understand the full meaning of it until it consumes you. It's just a word, it's just a place you hope you never have to go. Once it takes you, it's not something you can be freed of easily." Jagger

At the end of Dark Endings all is open roads and happy thoughts but after real life slows and Jagger is hit with the facts of what he did. Life becomes as far from happy and easy as it could ever be. He is nothing, he feels nothing, he just exists. Willow has watched it happen from the sidelines, not wanting to push him too much, afraid the push will send him away from her forever. They don't sleep in the same bed, they haven't had sex in months..WAIT WTF?? yes months and not even his children bring him joy or even a smile. Willow has always been a fighter but she doesn't know if she can fight the darkness that completely has enveloped him.

       

A plan is hatched, a woman fights for the love of her life and still nothing. No life is left in the eyes of her beloved. Not ever wanting to quit on her soul mate and father of her children, Willow's passion leads the brotherhood to find Jagger again! When she leads the brigade she has the stamina of a warrior but after every dead end and wall she hits..she starts to break piece by piece..watching Willow struggle to maintain was almost as hard or harder than the darkness that enveloped Jagger. Knowing that the love they felt was real, you are championing for her to invade the walls and bring back the REAL man behind the facade that is in front of her..

           

"I'll do whatever it takes. No matter what. I will fix us." Willow

A visit from a face from Jagger's past is what it takes to start his healing. But this is not a welcomed thing for Willow, in fact it is the opposite. As Jagger starts to see light..Willow is done! Done with fighting and done with competing with a past that she can't change and can't unsee. The past that they both share but that Jagger doesn't want to taint Willow's perception of him. It is a maze of misunderstandings and feelings that at some points seems won't ever be won..

             

This is the final chapter and the past is settled on when Jagger's heart remembers why he loves his family more than his own life..I loved this series, loved the realness of the darkness that encompassed Jagger and the honest approach the author took to bring this journey to a full close. I look forward to the story of Ace..the friendship that he and Willow formed was a shining light in this dark story as well..

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Until November by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Until November by Aurora Rose Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved..is not strong enough a word for this book..full review to come! Check out the other girls reviews at www.sizzlingpages.com

I abso*fucking*lutely love when a book comes to me at the exact right moment..this book landed in my lap like an angel dropping from heaven..Cue lights and harp music, now!



I was in a book slump. Nothing was singing to me and I just wasn't rushing home to crack my Kindle open. Until I met one Asher..and was lost in the fog..

"Oh my God, seriously? Asher. Why did this guy have to have a hot guy name? Why couldn't his name be Urkel or Poindexter. I mean really, something's just were not fair."

Not just the name was hot, the attitude, body and let's not forget about the brothers.. I know I am not because I see follow up hot guy stories!

"November, these are my brothers. Trevor, Nico and Cash>"



Welcome to the hot guy motherload! All equipped with hot guy names and ready for their close-ups!

The story begins with November moving from New York to live with her dad after a brutal attack has taken place. Saving her was none other than Beast a Great Dane that was at the right place at the right time. Beast grabbed my heart too, you know a book is good when you actually care about their pets too.



November has been raised by one of the worst mothers in the history of all book mothers. She wasn't made to feel worthy or to give trust unconditionally. Always in a position to defend herself and worth at the drop of a hat. She is still caring and willing to put her heart on the line. I loved watching November become part of a loving family and bond with her dad. She reaches out to others that she sees herself in and with that finds true friendships.



"What did I tell you, son?" he says, looking at Asher. "When it happens-BOOM!"

Asher has always been a "no need to know your name, you aren't sticking around" type of guy. His parents had always warned him he held the curse and when "The One" entered his life, he would know without a shadow of a doubt. He is alpha in every sense of Tara's definition and isn't afraid to show it..ever!



"But if any motherfucker touches you, I will not be happy>"

I think their first meeting is one of my favs in a book. A miscommunication leads to a very unhappy Asher, who isn't concerned with the who, what or why. Just the YOU ARE MINE and you don't know it yet.. It wasn't insta-love but it was a connection that could not be ignored and for that I say thank the alpha Gods!



I am an epilogue loving girl and this one delivered full force for me.. I love to see in the future of a couple that I have fallen head over heels for. This one is up high on my all time favorites!

I cannot wait for the next book and to dive deeper into Trevor's story.

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